World briefs: March 21

BAGRAM AIR BASE &#8212; Vice President Dick Cheney dismissed fears that Afghanistan could slide into a failed state, telling troops on Thursday that the U.S. and NATO allies won't allow resurgent extremists to bully their way back into power.

More than 8,000 people died in Afghanistan last year, making it the most violent year since 2001, when the U.S. invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban regime after the Sept. 11 attacks. Taliban and al-Qaida fighters have regrouped, especially in the south, and the job of coordinating aid and NATO troops from scores of nations has proved daunting.

&quot;The Afghan people have no desire to be pulled back into the dark ages,&quot; Cheney said at Bagram Air Base during an unannounced trip to Afghanistan. &quot;They're trusting America to stand by them in this fight, and that trust is being repaid every day. Having liberated this country, the United States and our coalition partners have no intention of allowing extremists to shoot their way back into power.&quot;

In brief

Iraq

Prime minister gives an optimistic talk

BAGHDAD &#8212; Iraq's prime minister pledged Thursday that the country would play an active role on the world stage in an upbeat speech delivered as this troubled nation entered a sixth year of war. Despite signs of progress, many Iraqis hold out little hope for a quick end to their suffering.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki spoke five years to the day after U.S. forces fired a first salvo of missiles at Baghdad before dawn on March 20, 2003, triggering a conflict that toppled Saddam Hussein but has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Iraqis and nearly 4,000 American troops.

In a nationally televised address, al-Maliki promised to strengthen Iraq's role in world affairs, assuring Iraqis that their nation &quot;cannot be anything but strong, unified and active. As Iraq has triumphed over terrorism, it will triumph in the international arena.&quot;

Pakistan

5 soldiers killed, 9 hurt in bombing

ISLAMABAD &#8212; A suicide car bomb killed five Pakistani soldiers and wounded nine others near the Afghan border on Thursday, the military said.

The bomber attacked security forces in South Waziristan's main town of Wana, the military said.

Al-Qaida- and Taliban-linked militants are believed to operate in the remote tribal area in the rugged, lawless tribal regions along the Afghan-Pakistan border. Pakistani troops have fought intense battles there in recent years. U.S.-led coalition forces based across the Afghan border also have launched attacks on militants in the area.